Upset Alert: Bengals Stun Steelers in a Halftime Thriller
All signs pointed to a Steelers victory on Thursday Night Football. But here's where it gets controversial: the Bengals had other plans. In a stunning turn of events, Cincinnati dominated the first half, overcoming a 10-0 deficit to lead 17-10 at halftime, leaving fans and analysts alike scratching their heads.
The Bengals' performance was nothing short of impressive, outgaining the Steelers 220 to 183 yards in the first half. Pittsburgh started strong, scoring on two of their first three possessions. Jonnu Smith hauled in a 10-yard touchdown pass from Aaron Rodgers, and Chris Boswell added a 41-yard field goal. But this is the part most people miss: the Steelers' momentum was short-lived, thanks to a series of costly mistakes.
And this is where the game took a dramatic turn. The Bengals intercepted Rodgers on consecutive possessions, both intended for DK Metcalf. Safety Jordan Battle's interception with 4:25 left in the half set up a lightning-fast, three-play, 76-yard touchdown drive. Then, cornerback DJ Turner made a jaw-dropping interception with just 40 seconds remaining, paving the way for Evan McPherson's 49-yard field goal as time expired. These turnovers were the Steelers' undoing, but they weren't their only blunders. A holding penalty on center Zach Frazier nullified a touchdown, and a false start on offensive lineman Mason McCormick forced them to settle for a field goal on fourth-and-1.
Bold Prediction: Could This Be the Bengals' Turning Point?
Rodgers finished the half 13-of-19 for 118 yards, with one touchdown and two interceptions. Metcalf managed just two receptions for 45 yards, while Jaylen Warren contributed eight carries for 45 yards. On the other side, Joe Flacco, who joined the Bengals just over a week ago, looked right at home, completing 14 of 21 passes for 129 yards and two touchdowns. Ja'Marr Chase was unstoppable with seven catches for 61 yards and a touchdown, and Tee Higgins added 54 yards and a touchdown on three receptions. Chase Brown was a standout with 74 rushing yards on just five carries.
Controversial Question: Are the Steelers Underperforming, or Are the Bengals Finally Finding Their Rhythm?
As the Bengals, who had lost four straight games, prepare to receive the second-half kickoff, one thing is clear: this game is far from over. But the bigger question remains—can the Steelers recover from their self-inflicted wounds, or will the Bengals pull off the upset? Let us know what you think in the comments—is this the Steelers' game to lose, or are the Bengals poised for a comeback season?
